ℹ️ Minimum wage in Canada is the lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay an employee. Because employment law is primarily provincial, the rate varies significantly depending on where you work. Most workers are covered by provincial rates, while those in federally regulated sectors are covered by the federal minimum wage.
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Current Minimum Wage Canada by Province (2026)
How much is minimum wage in Canada? The table below provides a snapshot of the current rates. For detailed rules on overtime, deductions, and specialized rates (like students or liquor servers), visit our dedicated provincial guides.
| Province / Territory | Hourly Rate | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $15.00 | Alberta Minimum Wage Guide |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | BC Minimum Wage Guide |
| Ontario | $17.60 | Ontario Minimum Wage Guide |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | – |
| New Brunswick | $15.90 | – |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $16.35 | – |
| Northwest Territories | $16.95 | – |
| Nova Scotia | $16.75 | – |
| Nunavut | $19.75 | – |
| Prince Edward Island | $17.00 | – |
| Quebec | $16.10 | – |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | – |
| Yukon | $17.94 | – |
| Yukon | $17.94 | – |
| Federal | $18.15* | See Federal Guide |
*Note: Rates are subject to annual increases, often occurring on April 1st or October 1st.
Federal vs. Provincial Minimum Wage: Which Applies to You?
The most important thing to understand about minimum wage in Canada is that your location isn’t the only factor — your industry matters too. Jurisdiction is split between the federal government and the provinces:
- Provincial Jurisdiction (94% of workers): If you work for a private business like a retail store, restaurant, dental clinic, or local construction firm, you are governed by provincial laws. You must follow the rate set by your province (e.g., $15.00 in Alberta).
- Federal Jurisdiction (6% of workers): If your workplace crosses provincial or national borders — like a bank, airline, or telecommunications company — you are governed by the federal minimum wage, regardless of which province you are in.
General Exceptions and Rules
While there is a “general” minimum wage Canada rate in every region, there are several exceptions where a different rate might apply:
- Student Minimum Wage: Some provinces, like Ontario and Alberta, allow employers to pay a slightly lower rate to students under the age of 18 who work a limited number of hours.
- Commission-Based Roles: Even if you are paid entirely by commission (like some sales roles), your total earnings divided by your hours worked must still meet the minimum wage requirement.
- Liquor Servers: Most provinces have abolished the “server wage,” but it is important to check your specific provincial guide to see if tips can be counted toward your base pay (in most cases, they can’t).
➡️ Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP today if you believe you are being underpaid or misclassified.